10-year-old accused of molesting two boys

A 10-year-old Marion County boy has been found mentally incompetent to stand trial on delinquency counts of rape and gross sexual imposition.

Marion County officials declined to provide details about the charges, but a Prospect-area woman says the boy molested her 4- and 6-year-old sons last summer.

The woman is upset that the 10-year-old is continuing to attend the same Prospect school, South Elgin Elementary, as her 6-year-old first-grader.

“I’m furious, but my hands are tied,” the woman said today. She considered enrolling her son at another school, but he begged to stay at South Elgin with his friends and teacher, she said.

The woman said she met with school officials after receiving a protective order requiring the 10-year-old to not speak with her son and not come within eight feet of him.

Doug Ute, superintendent of Elgin Local Schools, said school officials were aware of the charges against the boy.

“We are very concerned about the safety of all our kids and take the necessary steps to ensure that. Our kids are safe,” Ute said.

Asked if the parents of other schoolchildren were aware the boy is attending classes while charged with sex offenses, Ute declined to comment.

The mother of the alleged victims said she worries about the safety of other children. The mother said her husband saw the 10-year-old molesting her sons on July 8 when he walked by a window at their home and glanced inside.

The Dispatch does not identify sexual-assault victims and is not identifying the suspect because he has not been convicted of delinquency.

Marion County Family Court Judge Thomas Jenkins, who called the case unusual due to the boy’s age, said psychiatrists believe treatment can help the boy be declared competent so he can face charges.

He sees no danger to other children since the boy is receiving mental-health treatment. “I feel very comfortable the community is protected,” the judge said.

Prosecutor Jim Slagle confirmed the youth was charged last November, but said he could not discuss details since the case is pending.

Slagle said he was unaware the 10-year-old was attending school with one of his alleged victims. “That’s a concern, yes,” he said.

Two Marion lawyers representing the boy, Jon Doyle and Robert Wilson, did not return telephone calls today.

rludlow@dispatch.com

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.